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Page 194
tually befallen Ian. This was no time for pride. Again Alinor excused herself to her guests and went out into the bailey, where she sent a groom for her huntsman.
"It is not like him," Salisbury's voice said behind her as she waited for her man to arrive. Alinor jumped with surprise, not having realized that he had followed her, and Salisbury begged pardon for startling her. Then he returned to his theme. "Madam, I do not wish to worry you or to croak forebodings at this joyous time, but it would be well to send out to seek for him."
"That is what I am about to do, my lord," Alinor admitted. Color rose into her cheeks at the look he gave her. "It is not that I have been indifferent," Alinor protested. "It is that wewe had some sharp words and I thought Ian was sulking. But you are right. It is not like him. He is no sulker. Had I time to think, I would have realized it." Tears rose to her eyes. "Curse my pride and my temper," she whispered.
"Now, do not begin to imagine him dead in a ditch or you will be furious with him all over again when he walks in hale and hearty. It may well be he is delayed by something neither you nor I have considered. He cannot be sore hurt or dead. He was not alone. His men and his squires would have come to tell you."
To that specious piece of reasoning, the more ridiculous because of the anxiety that was mirrored on Salisbury's face when he mentioned Ian's squires, Alinor did not have to reply. The groom returned, breathless and fearful, to say the huntsman was nowhere to be found. Alinor hissed with irritation.
"Madam, be calm!" Salisbury snapped. "The man is doubtless about some business. Do not give an order you will be sorry for."
For a moment Alinor was speechless with surprise. "He has been my servant for more than twenty years," she said repressively when she regained her voice. "You need not fear for him." Then she turned to the nervously waiting groom. "Send Beorn to me."

 
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